Category: fiction

Thank you, for taking the time to read through this story. For hours I researched and leaped head first into the realm of mental illness. More so looking at Psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety and depression. So I write this excerpt for those who may be triggered or affected by a story as dark and graphic as this. So please, if you have a past with any of the topics being displayed in this tale, please proceed with caution and take your own mental health into consideration. With that being said I sincerely hope that you enjoy the first chapter of my untitled novel.

Your Author,Jay

October 17th

It was the first time she felt the rush and horror of killing. Feeling the brisk fall breeze ruffle her frizzy black hair. The warmth of the blood on her hands and her pale skin warding off the cold. The voice in her head praising her for a job well done. A grin composed of bright white and cherry red heat sketched itself on her face. She bit her blood covered finger and giggled to herself, filling her mouth with the taste of metal and concrete. She made the shape of a gun with her fingers and playfully blasted the still corpse beside her. Blood and intestines gathered, tangled together on the wet pavement. The eyes of her kill still open wide, mouth gaped open. The sound of car horns and sirens cried from the city behind her.

***

Shortly after dumping the body into the deep bowels of the Hudson River, she made her way back towards the city. The gaze of curious pedestrians meeting her own. She returned those looks with flirtatious winks and lip licking. I suppose it was not to off putting to see someone walking through the streets of New York, covered in blood in the middle of October, so close to Halloween. Although it was not her choice of fashion and blood soaked attire that garnered most of the stares she received. You could thank her abnormal beauty for the attention. She stopped abruptly in front of a small shop labeled ‘Candy Land’. She rarely came out to this side of city, so close to the water. Looking up and down the crowded and busy streets she seductively waved her hips and hands, hoping to catch the attention of a cab with wandering eyes. She had a body to match the beauty.

It worked. Almost five cabs stopped rushed to pick up the bloody girl. It was safe to say that every single one of those drivers had more than just driving her home on their minds. With a smirk on her face, biting her lower lip she entered the nearest cab, slamming the door behind her. The driver was burly. Stubble lining her jaw and neck. You could say he was in is mid 40’s. He shyly eyed the peculiar girl in his back seat.

“So.. Where to doll?” he asked in typical NYC fashion.

She crossed her skinny legs. Her dark blue skinny jeans dipped in red that was now drying. Spots of pale skin poking through the holes in her knees. She pulled out $25 from the small bag slung across her chest and shoulder, quickly handing it to the man.

“East village, i’m in a bit of a hurry” she said, voice as smooth as silk.

“I take it fast and rough is good for you?” the driver asked.

“Oh that’s just how I like it big boy” she said with a bright smile as the cab quickly sped from the curb in front of Candy Land and disappeared into a sea of metal and smoke.

***

The sun was making its way down and the chill in the air was biting harder as the cab pulled up to a gorgeous apartment building. The bricks were all white and sparkled in underneath the waking stars and city lights. The double doors were blacks with silver hands. Even the stairs and surrounding buildings and streets were spotless. The young killer quickly opened the cab door but paused as she was about to run out.

“Thanks for the ride hun” she said sweetly as she softly kissed the man’s cheek. Leaving a lipstick tattoo on him.

Done with her task she paced out the cab and skipped her way up the stairs and through the black doors.

“I love new york” the driver whispered as he sped off into the cold.

The beauty lived on the middle floor of the complex, so she had to pace up several flights of spotless stairs. She hummed the words to ‘You & I’ by her favorite band PVRIS as she fumbled in her bag for her keys. Finally she stopped in front of black door with the number ‘31’ placed on it.

“Shower, shower, shower” she whispered to herself as she entered the room behind the door. It was a gorgeous apartment. One that a normal person would not be able to afford unless they were made of money. Everything was either black, grey or white. Her favorite colors. The entrance faced a small hallway, she placed her bag and keys on a marble black stand and made her way into the heart of apartment. The hallway opened up into one large studio. There was a kitchen to the far left and a bathroom behind its walls. A bedroom/living made up the remainder of the home.

She quickly began to undress. Kicking off her black converse as she slowly pulled down her blood stained jeans, revealing smooth and spotless pale skin. Next she quickly removed her long, black peacoat and black knit sweater. Her bony fingers and hands were still dressed in dry blood. There she stood, half naked in all black lingerie that you could almost see through if you strained your eyes enough. It was impossible for someone to be capable of harboring such beauty and physique. But she wielded both masterfully. Two clear, grey eyes sat indented in her skull. Somehow her makeup was still perfect after everything. Her legs were long and skinny, like the beautiful models you see walking the runway during fashion week.

Her waist was slim and her stomach flat. Her chest was not the biggest, in fact it was quit small but it was just perfect for her. her arms matched her longs legs, although they housed dozens and horizontal and vertical scars on each wrist. Soft, boney fingers ran through black, frizzy hair that dropped just a fragment above her freckled shoulders. She was blindingly beautiful, like she was pulled straight from a magazine cover. The fading blue sky outside complimented her pale skin, still with traces of blood on her hands, neck and face. Hair as black as the abyss, you would drown if you dared admire her for too long and many men have.

She looked towards the the white, glossy counter in the kitchen to see her phone light up and quickly fade back to sleep. Someone had left her a voicemail.

“Oh, must have left my phone her all day. WHOOPS” she spoke playfully. Her voice like silk in your ears.

She quickly picked it up to see who was trying to contact her. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the screen.

“Ugh” she said in disgust.

It was her mother.

She jumped to sit on the counter as she listened to the voicemail.

“Rainey? Honey, it has been over a week and your father and I haven’t heard from you.” the woman spoke.

Rainey’s face was deformed in sickness as she listened to her mother. Mocking every word she was saying.

“Your psychiatrist called as well, you’ve been skipping your meetings…. Have you been taking your medication? Is everything alright? Please honey, we know you’re 18 but we’re worried about you. Call us, okay Rain? I love you baby.” the voice cracked and flatlined as the message ended.

Rainey sat quietly on the kitchen counter, her legs swaying back and forth over the edge. The room sat quiet for a few minutes. Only the sound of the living city broke through the perfectly crafted walls.

“SHUT UP” she suddenly screamed.

But no one else was around.

She wrapped her arms around herself.

“I KNOW what I did. YOU told me to do it, so don’t blame ME jesus!”

She bounced off the counter and paced over to a small cabinet behind her. From inside she pulled out a two small, orange colored bottles.

“If I take these then you’ll get the fuck OUT” she whispered to herself as she began to open the bottles.

But she suddenly stopped. She dropped to the floor and burst out into laughter. Covering her face with her dry palms.

Each time she said it her voice grew louder, each time she said it the water in her eyes swelled up a little bit more. Until it was impossible to hold back the flood. Rainey burst into a violent cry. The makeup on her eyes and face mixed with the dry blood already in place. It ran down her white skin in streams. Like an untouched river in a quiet forest. She rocked back and forth, back and forth.

Until she suddenly stopped. Slowly she picked herself up from the ground and pushed her hair back with her hands.

“Well, time to shower” she said playfully as she danced into the bathroom. Closing the door behind her.

The sound of water hitting perfect porcelain filled the apartment as she sang “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”.

***

The red aura radiating from the clock continued to blink ‘12:00 A.M’. The city outside still wide awake. It never seemed to sleep, neither did Rainey. Most nights she would be up, usually walking circles around the apartment. Surprisingly enough there were no tracks indicating the carefully calculated path she embarked on every night. But on this night, she sat still atop the window frame. Watching as her breath clung to glass and disappear as quickly as it came. Her face was bare of all makeup, yet she was as beautiful as the young sun greeting the morning. The only thing covering her body being a snug, wool blanket.

She sniffled as tears began to flow down her pale cheeks. Her hand catching them like a net.

“When will this end” she muttered to herself.

Suddenly a small rattling noise rose from the frame her delicate feet were planted on. Her phone. A small smirk carefully leaked out from the corner of her mouth as she bit down on her pink lips. In a swift motion she was dressed and out the door. The streets were lit in a low, orange light. The sky full of clouds, protecting the city with a sheet of black and grey. But slivers of darkness found salvation among the hidden cracks and countless alleyways.

Her black mane wrapped in a messy bun, she wore a long black sweater, edges frayed and worn. Dark blue skinny jeans and black vans. Wherever she was going, she would be going comfortably. The destination took her to the edge of the village, a place she frequented quite often. The buildings were beautiful, much more so under the low light of the city at night. With small, carefully planted trees racing up and down the streets. Some buildings were dressed in red brick, while others with wood. Even some wore wild vines on them. It was a peaceful and quiet place. A break from the rush of typical city life.

She paced up a flight of concrete stairs, connecting to one of the buildings laced in red bricks. She knocked three times and waited for someone to answer the shallow call. A few minutes later the door clicked and turned open. Revealing a young girl. About the same age as Rainey. Red locks pouring from the ponytail she kept it in. She wore a large, grey hoodie, leaving her skinny legs exposed to brisk night air. Freckles still sleeping on her carefully crafted face, one that housed clear green eyes. She also flashed a sweet, warm smile at Rainey.

“Hey there, pretty girl” she spoke sweetly.

The girl with the raven hair smiled as she slowly approached the beautiful fire in front of her. Softly cuffing the girl’s’ face in her pale hands, their lips connected. Both let out sighs of happiness and comfort.

“Hey there, firecracker” Rainey spoke between kisses.

***

The inside of her apartment was spotless. Every book tucked neatly into its bed on the perfectly crafted shelves lining the maroon walls, every article of clothing neatly folded away or hung up in the closets. Pictures of her parents and siblings decorated the hallway behind the door. The hardwood floors glistened under the moon light, kissing the low orange glow of the lamps. Before making her way into the small living room, Rainey quickly removed her shoes, her firecracker hated mud trackers. Small noises could be heard leaking from the bright screen mounted on the wall of the living room.

A large, dark brown couch surrounded the room in a cozy circle. The cutest wool blanket and small pillows were sprawled across it. She must have fell asleep down her, again, Rainey thought to herself. in the center of the room sat a small, glass table. Video game, fashion and magazines with Japanese anime characters were neatly tucked on the bottom shelf of the table. In a black vase rested flowers, with beautiful pink petals floating above the stem. Sakura flowers, cherry blossoms sprouted from the seeds the two of them brought back from their visit to Tokyo last spring.

Rainey loved this small, cozy home. How her love smelled like roses, the scent flowing throughout the entire building.

“Want some tea, himawari” the red head said. Her voice as soft as cotton.

Rainey loved the cute nicknames she would call her. Himawari was her favorite though. The name seemed to stick after their trip to Tokyo. The two visited Akihabara, most famous for its vast collection of electronics and anime culture. There dined at a maid cafe and shared the Himawari Cake together, Himawari meaning ‘Sunflower’ in Japanese. It was her favorite memory of them, before the voices became constant.

“I would love some” Rainey spoke as she skipped over to the red head.

Wrapping her arms around her other half as she prepared the kettle on the stove. Why didn’t she come here earlier? Before… the blood, she asked herself. Face buried in the grey sweater.

“And what are you pouting about” the ginger teased. “And where have you been all day, I called twice”

“I fshsnvfj” Rainey spoke through a mouth full of hoodie cloth.

“Oh that’s where you were” she giggled.

Rainey quickly darted towards the chair beside the girl and took a seat.

“I was… busy” she said carefully. “I’m glad you asked me to come over tonight though. I missed that sexy, red ocean you got going on up there” she teased as she looked down, “And there”

Sarya was suddenly painted bright. Her cheeks filled with the heat of the sun. When she was nervous, she would cross her legs as she bit her lower lip. All while doing her best to avoid eye contact. The special thing is that no one but Rainey made her nervous. She loved that. She slowly turned towards the raven haired angel, edging closer and closer, until she could smell the scent of oranges on her neck. Rainey always smelled like them, it made Sarya feel safe when they were like this.

“Getting awfully close, aren’t we princess” Rainey spoke.

“You gonna turn me away, make the princess cry” Sarya teased.

“Well look, at, you. My take charge attitude must be rubbing off on you”

Their lips were inches apart. Breathing becoming unsteady under the weight of wanting to taste each other again. The kettle began to cry with steam and heat. Without taking her eyes away from Rainey, Sarya carefully turned off the heat of the stove. Rainey’s slender hands drove across her loves soft stomach, underneath the hoodie that was housing her skin. A soft sigh ran from Sarya’s lips, right into Rainey’s ears.

“Should I gooooo, lower” Rainey whispered, a smirk sketched across her lips.

Sarya could no longer fight or resist. She carefully guided Rainey’s hand underneath the black shorts covering her thighs. Her entire body quivered. It was like a jolt of electricity was sent flying through her entire body. As the pulsing between her thighs picked up pace, her legs began to weaken, shaking as if she were left out in cold streets of the city.

Sarya wrapped her hands around her love, her hips swaying back and forth. Suddenly both were standing in the middle of the kitchen. Their lips intertwined. Sighs and moans echoed over the voices on the television. Taking Rainey’s hand, she led them to the couch in the living room. Where the two them sat, face to face.

“Are you sure” Rainey asked as gently rubbed Sarya’s cheek.

Her vision of Sarya’s face become blocked as the grey hoodie flew in front of her face and onto the floor. Revealing the naked, freckled chest of the woman she loved.

“I’m sure” Sarya nodded, her smile could cut through the thickest darkness.

Rainey quickly undressed, revealing her pale, smooth skin to her love for the first time. Both started at each other. In awe of what was being being presented right in front of their eyes. The moment that both had only dreamed of was unfolding, like a page straight out of a love story. The warmth of the orange lights tickled their naked skin. Rainey ran her hands up and down Sarya’s freckled arms.

She always did know how to moisturize she thought to herself. She carefully ran her fingers across her small breasts, causing Sarya to let out a soft sigh from the cold touch. She leaned in and felt her lips collide with Sarya’s soft skin. Carefully guiding her until her back met the surface of the couch, as her black hair trickled Sarya’s freckled nose. Both giggled before their lips collided once more.

Rainey could feel the red head’s body tremble again as she placed her fingers back between her legs. The warmth of each others bodies was all they needed. The swayed back and forth, through sighs and moans of pleasure and the promise of more to come. Sarya bit down on her lip as she felt the tip of Rainey’s tongue sneak between her legs.

“Sneaky” she laughed.

This night felt like it could last forever for the two of them. Nothing else mattered. In this exact moment, with Sarya, Rainey was free and underneath that river of black, she could feel the weight on her mind lighten.

“I love you, firecracker” she said as she came up for air.

Sarya, with sweat covering her entire body and strands of red sticking to her face, smiled.

The monster snarled as mud and blood flung from it claws. Raven sat there on the ground, wiping the blood from her lip. Sweat running down to her chin like raindrops on a small leaf. Her garments covered in dirt and cement residue. Slowly, she picked herself back up and dusted herself off. The road outside of the building raven was thrown through was empty. The surrounding town slowly fading from existence, thanks to the monster snarling in front of her. She softly exhaled, clouds of her breath could be seen as if it we winter again.

“It’s probably a bad idea to use this…” the air around began to pick up, her silver hair releasing from its bindings. “But I’d rather finish this quickly, before I get myself killed for being so lazy”

Her stance changed. Her legs bent, palms facing the beast. Suddenly she took off, a trail of ice and snow following behind. She made contact with the beast, casting off a flurry of punches and kicks. Each hit leaving a shadow of frost on its body. The monster let out a loud roar as it swung its claws towards raven. Effortlessly she avoided the assault, every move she made had a purpose. Finally, she appeared in front of the beast, a quiet smirk wiped across her face.

It was a sight to behold. The once raging beast was now nothing but a block of ice. In a blinding flurry, she had meticulously attacked it. Each and every hit arrived at their mark precisely.

“Nice and quiet now” she spoke.

With the snap of her fingers the block of ice shattered into thousands of pieces. Light snow and glitter began falling from the sky in their wake. Without touching the blade on her back, she easily succeeded where an entire village failed. She slowly exhaled again as she threw the hood back over her head.

The sign read ‘Hunter for hire’. The faded paint was plastered on an old wooden announcement board, just outside of the local bar. This town was not much to look at from first sight. The roads were stripped down to the dirt, the buildings barely hanging on to the wind pressuring them. While lacking in size and beauty, this town was the only one Raven had encountered for weeks. Tired and hungry she stared at sign in front of her. Strands of silvers blew from underneath the hood covering her head. Her jet-black boots covered in mud began to quiver underneath her.

“Hunter wanted… Monster in need of slaying, thief needing capturing… Same old rookie acts” she whispered to herself. You could hear the exhaustion in her soft voice.

Sighing she made her way into the bar, ready to take a contract. As expected the inside was not all the lively. Only a few seats were taken by some of the locals, but the room was as silent as a wake. A burley man stood behind the counter, waxing glasses peacefully. Raven took a seat in front of man, pushing her hood back. Her face was perfect, even with all the scars tracing it. Her grey eyes were tired and her silver hair was in dire need of a good wash.

“Not from around here, are ya kid” the barter asked.

She shook her head slowly. “From some ways away, actually”

“Well, you look like hell. Smell like it too. Here I thought young girls smelled like roses all the time”

“Hmph” she raised an eyebrow. “You talk to all your customers like that? I can definitely see why this bar is empty now”

He chuckled as he sat the glass down in front of Raven. “Here, you look like you could use a drink sunshine.”

“Couldn’t afford it if I wanted to”

“No worries, on the house. Now drink up.” He said as he poured her a glass of water.

Raven swiftly grabbed the glass, chugging down every drop. The bartender began to laugh a little and poured her another glass.

“So, what brings you to this neck of the continent” he inquired.

She put the glass down, wiping her mouth of access water. “I’m here for work, saw you had ‘monster’ problem. I can take care of it for you”

“You?” he said with astonishment. “You sure you wanna take on that job, it’s a doozy. That… thing, took out most of the hunters here. Town is empty because of it”

Raven would have scoffed if she wasn’t so spent.

“You see this sword” she asked as she pointed to the blade housed on her back. “I’m a huntress, from the royal coven. I’ll be just fine man. How much does it pay?”

“I see… Job pays 900. 1000 if you bring me the head”

Raven nodded in agreement as she got up from her chair. She slightly drew the sword from its home, the silver began to shine a blue color in the bar light. She stopped at the door and turned back a bit.

“Thanks for the drinks… I’ll be back” she said as she tossed the hood over her head, her black cloak blowing in the dusk wind.

***

The sky had long began its slumber. The light of the moon illuminated the path for Raven to navigate. Her breath was calm and her heart steady. The long cloak she wore keeping the cold night at bay. The man was right, this town was completely deprived of people. Not even a single owl or cricket sung here.

“It is entirely too quiet here” raven whispered to herself. “Now where are you hiding?”

She decided to take her search into a nearby building. Strangely it seemed to be the only one with its soul still intact. No peeling paint or broken windows. It seemed ordinary. Raven soundlessly crept inside. Unlike the outside the inside of this building was trashed.

“God, it smells like someone died in here”

Raven pulled the hood from her head and began to scan the room for any clue she could find. Nearby was a table, smashed into two. Black fluid covered the splintered edges and the floor around it. Carefully raven ran her fingers through the mess, her eyes narrowing.

“Fresh” she said. “You’re close drool boy”

Raven carefully stood back up. Carefully dripping onto her silver hair was something slimy. She turned back, lacing her fingers through her hair, her fingers revealing the same black ooze from the table. She sighed, placing her hand on her hip impatiently.

“You got your drool in my hair asshole” her voice full of annoyance.

The culprit was large as it hung from the ceiling with its large hands. The tips of its sharp fingers were laced in red, dripping onto the floor. It had no face, just scorched black skin was shown. The way it was swinging from each beam in the ceiling was almost angelic, it made no sound as Raven watched it closely. It housed its feet onto the ground in front of her, its chest falling and rising rapidly. Suddenly it swung, quickly and full of force.

“Cheater” she yelled.

Raven was quick. Avoiding the barrage of swings coming at her with little effort. The demon swung again, unaware that Raven had been reading its movement from the start. She quickly dodged left and twisted around the faceless killer. In the same motion, she pulled a small dragger from her waist and shoved it into the monsters’ head. Following up with a strong counter punch to generate space for her next move.

Unbothered, it came for her again, faster this time. It held out its hands as its claws rapidly expanded towards Raven. Quickly she began to dodge the claws coming at her. Each one missing nearly missing her, the reaction time she possessed was unnatural. But she miscalculated as she pummeled by a swift kick and sent flying outside of the building. Glass and wood tracing her through the wind and onto the dirt.

“I really need a nap” she groaned as she wiped the blood from her mouth.

*It’s been awhile since my last entry, almost an entire month, as i’ve been lacking inspiration and motive. But i’m trying my best to find it. Also a name changed has been added. The main character Bella is now named “Noka or Ginokami (her full name)” the name mean white wolf in japanese. Well, please enjoy Chapter 5!

Chapter 5: The Cauldron

The two siblings made their way back to the city under the cover of the night. Not a cloud could be seen in the sky. Although the bright lights of the surrounding buildings snuffed out any awakening stars. As they came close to their home a large crowd could be seen gathered inside through the windows.

“What’s going on in there” Jace asked with raised eyebrows.

Noka wore a confused look on her face as well as she pushed through the front door. The room was filled with people in long black cloaks, hoods covering their faces. Suddenly Harley was at Noka’s side, gripping her arm tightly.

“Harley, hey” Noka spoke softly as she hugged her best friend. “What’s going on, who are these hooded creeps?”

“They’re with the order. Apparently, they came to speak to your mom about something.” Harley whispered as she gripped Noka’s arm harder. “It’s about your sister”

Jace quickly turned towards Harley, his hands in the shape of fists. “The Order” he raised. “Why would they send more envoys, I’m supposed to be the only one. Something isn’t right.”

Suddenly the atmosphere of the room shifted. Lady Reyna gracefully glided into the room, though her aura was completely changed.

“Envoy of The Order, why have come here” she asked, her voice heavy with pressure. “My son was already sent to us, your presence her is not needed.”

Noka and Jace silently observed their mother, wondering why these people were here. It was very rare for this many soldier of The Order to be sent to one place at once. Quickly an envoy stepped forward and without removing her hood she spoke.

“Lady Reyna, we apologize for this sudden intrusion. We come with a decree from The Elders of The Order.” The woman spoke. Her voice soft but sharp like a freshly sharpened blade.

“What decree” Reyna inquired, her arms crossed at her chest.

The room was so silent and stiff, the air suddenly becoming much heavier than it was before. Jace, Noka and Harley stood still, waiting to hear what the woman had to say.

“There is a Cauldron to be held. In order to determine whether or not your children are prepared to take on this dangerous task, they must be put to the test. Along with more of The Order’s most skilled warriors. This is a trail, to the death” She spoke.

****

The feeling in the compound had become heavier in the days after the announcement. Only once has an event like this been held and Reyna’s children weren’t even an afterthought at that time. Something was off. But despite the events to come, Jace, Noka and Harley were hard at work, training their bodies and minds together.

Winter was coming in close. Frost covering the city like a white blanket, rocking the streets to sleep. Outside of the city, the trio was practicing, under the watch of Lady Reyna. The snow and ice crackled and crunched underneath Noka’s agile steps. Silver fur covered the tops of her black boots and she was dressed in her usual black attire, only more fitting for the weather. The long silver braid hanging from her head swayed back and forth has she dodged and predicted her brother’s attacks. Jumping quickly, she created space between her brothers’ leg and herself.

In that same moment, Harley came flying from air above her, unleashing a series of swift punches and kicks. Noka blocked each attempt with perfection and focus and she landed back on the ground with so much force it made the snow around them rise like an avalanche. Jace and Harley both swiftly launched themselves at Noka from both sides. Each moving with quickness so blinding a normal eye wouldn’t be able to keep up. Her eyes were filled with more anger and focus than they could hold. Noka swerved backwards, dodging a punch from Harley and in the same motion she gripped her wrist tightly. The force of the caught punch let out a strong burst of air. Suddenly Harley was flying towards Jace, unable to stop. But this wasn’t a problem for him.

“Crap, Jace look out” Harley shouted in a manic voice.

Head first she was rocketing towards him, screaming like a child who just lost her favorite candy. It was as if time slowed down, he swiftly placed his hands on Harley’s head and launched himself over her. Noka’s eyes widened.

Harley quickly crashed into the snow, freezing ice slipping down the collar of her dark green turtle neck.

“OOOOOOOOOOOOH COLD” she shrieked.

“Leap frog” Jace yelled as he flew towards his sister.

Lady Reyna stood on the sidelines, silently watching her younglings. She was like a statue, frozen in the cold. Noka planted her feet and prepared herself for the incoming attack. Jace came at her with a blinding force, his fist coming directly to her.

As Noka looked down her face became stiff, almost like wood. “Hell no” she moaned.

There he was, emerging from the snow like a fox awaiting its prey. He wore the biggest smirk on his perfectly crafted face. His palm connecting with her stomach sent Noka flying into the air and into a mountain of snow. Harley still on ground on her face, you could hear her laughter coming from inside the snow. Reyna began to chuckle, like most royals it was controlled for what it was. Jace paced over to the pile he housed his little sister in and knelt beside her.

“How did I forget you had that ability” she muttered through the snow, only her legs sticking out.

He let out a soft laugh as he slicked his silver hair back “Well, you got cocky, you’re moves were readable and I’m older so I win by default”. He slowly dug her out of the snow, brushing her silver off “Better luck next time little wolf”.

Noka sighed with her hand on her hip, watching the people she loved most laugh around her. She let a soft smirk pass her lips. She wished it could always be like this, but the looming thought of the deadly cauldron enveloped that wish whole instantly.

The rain outside had let up. Tiny cracks of twilight were peeking between the cotton clouds in the sky. Mixing with pink and touches of midnight, the stars were beginning to awaken. The outskirts of the city were peaceful and quiet; it was the only place left untouched by battle or interference from manmade settlements. The perfect place to sit and watch the world around you, time seemed to stand still in the greenlands. No commotion, no city sounds, no hustle and bustle. Just the wind and the fresh nature around you. Bella would come here, to meditate and even train sometimes. But she wouldn’t train her body, but her mind. Little to anyone’s knowledge, her recent success as a huntress could be traced back to acute synchronization with nature and the spirits surrounding it.

It was ancient knowledge passed down from the earliest line of Hunters. It is important to be skilled in battle, yes, but without a connection to the unmoving world around you, you are sure to lack as a Hunter. Seek wisdom from the spirits around you, breathe in every aspect that nature has to offer you. Although this is said to be something all Hunters must master, it has faded away into the dark past. That is not to say that some still do not practice the old ways, Bella learned from her mother and father. As did her brother, which is why their growth has been far greater than any other hunter in decades.

Bella and Jace walked side by side through the grassy surface. Footsteps so light that you could barely here the grass crush beneath their feet. Bella was dressed more casually now. A long black sweater covered her upper body, only leaving one shoulder bare to the wind. Her legs covered in black tights ending just above her ankles, her feet bare on the ground. Showing off her perfectly painted nails. Her lush silver hair tied in a tail on her heads, bust as always strands found their way over her eyes.

Jace stopped to look up at the sky. Stars were shooting back and forth in the twilight. A normal occurrence for this part of the world, but beautiful nonetheless. Bella turned to look at her brother.

“I’m glad you’re home” she said softly.

Jace still looking up spoke to his sister “Yeah… I’m surprised The Order chose me as their envoy, I’m still fairly new”

“I’m not all that surprised. You’re the best and most reliable fighter that they have. Even with all those “experienced” warriors they always brag about.” She said as her words dripped with sarcasm. “Although I was surprised that more didn’t come back with you, mother did send for a small army. I guess finding our sister isn’t top priority with them…”

“We’ll just have to go and find her ourselves… I won’t leave her out there with them.” He spoke.

His words could cut through a steel table.

Bella simply gazed at her older brother. Her expression was hard or even sad. Her eyes were soft and simple. She had always admired Jace’s strength, even in times of suffering. Even when their father had passed away, he was always as strong as a stone wall, never faltering. The two siblings just sat in silence until the moon woke from its sleep. They never needed to speak much to understand each other and right now one thing was clear, they were indeed going to find their missing sister. With or without the assistance of The Order. As the wind blew through the night, Bella rested her head on Jace’s shoulder as they stood and watched the world fall asleep.

The room was bleeding with sweat, the air was thick almost impossible to breath in. But in the thick of it she stood. Swinging her body through the air like an acrobat. Each movement more precise than the last.

“GO” she screamed as five small daggers flung from her hand.

Each one colliding with the wood plate etched into the wall with a loud smack. She landed on the ground as if the gravity of the room was gently pulling her down. Sweat falling heavily from her perfectly figured face. You could see it on her face, sleep had not found her in days. The bags cradling her eyes, the deep tone of her breath.

“Damn it” she whispered under her breath.

Slowly she withered down to the ground, still breathing heavily but more steady than before. Her fist collided with the ground with a force strong enough to crack the marble setting. Strands of wet silver pasted to her cheeks and forehead, while a perfectly crafted ponytail hung over her shoulder. Suddenly her body began to shake. A small noise crept from her mouth like a child learning to speak for the first time.

The voice quickly took shape. He was fairly tall, silver wrapped his head in short curls. Curls that hung down the nape of his neck, just above his shoulders. He wasn’t muscular, but it was obvious that he had strength. Slim arms masked in a grey long sleeve shirt. Long legs covered in black pants and boots. He was beautiful, much like everyone else in this place. His cool purple eyes made you feel like you were looking into the bottle of a potion and they fixed directly on an exhausted Bella. He smiled as he held out his hand.

“Well, are you gonna just stare at me, or aren’t you gonna welcome me home” he asked jokingly.

Bella’s eyes were lit like stars. Everything she had been feeling before then had vanished. The fear, the sadness, the exhaustion, everything. None of it mattered, her brother was home at last. She jumped into his slender arms and latched onto him tightly. Tears streaming down her face like rain on window, slowly and beautifully.

“Whoa” he playfully yelled.

“I can’t believe you’re home Jace” she muffled out through a wave a tears. She hugged him tighter.

Jace smiled softly as he rubbed his little sisters’ head. Nimble hands running through a ocean of soft silver.

“Yeah” he said softy, resting his chin on her head. “I’m home little warrior”